How Pfizer Crafted Its Own ‘Operation Warp Speed’ For The COVID-19 Vaccine

Final Leg Of Supply Talks With Indian Govt

It’s counter-intuitive, but not signing a commercial contract with BioNTech and refusing US federal funding were two of several moves Pfizer made to speed up development of its COVID-19 vaccine, CEO Albert Bourla says. Now it’s looking to supply low- and middle-income countries.

Pfizer's Albert Bourla and Biogen's Stelios Papadopoulos at USAIC 2021
Albert Bourla Shares Pfizer's COVID-19 Vaccine Journey With Biogen's Stelios Papadopoulos • Source: Scrip/USAIC

Pfizer Inc.’s shaping of its own "Operation Warp Speed" while developing a COVID-19 vaccine is a fascinating story of trust, commitment and organizational preparedness, one well narrated by CEO and chairman Albert Bourla at the USA-India Chamber of Commerce’s annual Biopharma & Healthcare Summit.

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